Adjustable four-weight shaker head

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a shaker with a set of primary eccentric weights and secondary eccentric weights. The invention rotates the primary and secondary eccentric weights at the same speed, but may on the fly change the rotational phase between the primary and secondary eccentric weights, causing an on the fly change of amplitude of the inventive shaker.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/539,918,filed Oct. 6, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,773.

Forced balanced shakers are used in harvesters to provide an oscillationmotion.

The present invention relates to a shaker head used in harvesters thatuses four weights in an adjustable manner providing adjustable strokes.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a harvester which would use the inventivefour weight shaker with a horizontal brush.

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of an embodiment of the inventive four weightshaker with a horizontal brush used in the harvester in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cut away view of the embodiment of the inventive shaker andpart of the horizontal brush shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of part of the embodiment of the inventiveshaker shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a view of another harvester with another embodiment of theinventive four weight shaker with a vertical brush.

FIG. 6 is a cut away view of an embodiment of the inventive four weightshaker with a vertical brush used in the harvester in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of the inventiveshaker shown in FIG. 6, along lines 7--7.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of part of the embodiment of the inventiveshaker shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the pulleys of another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 is cut away and cross-sectional view of the pulleys of theembodiment in FIG. 9, in a shifted position.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 along lines 11.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the embodiment in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of pulleys and a phasing means ofanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a cut away view of the embodiment shown if FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the harvester 10 schematically shown in FIG. 1, a shaker mechanism 12drives a horizontal brush 14. In this embodiment, the shaker mechanism12 provides a rotation motion and an angular oscillation to the brush14. One example of a harvester that uses a horizontal brush is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,269 incorporated by reference.

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of an embodiment of the inventive four weightshaker with a horizontal brush used in the harvester in FIG. 1. FIG. 3is a cut away view of the embodiment of the inventive shaker and part ofthe horizontal brush shown in FIG. 2. A shaft 16 is journaled between afirst end mount 18 at a first end of the shaft 16 and a second end mount20 at a second end of the shaft 16. A first drive pulley 21 is mountedaround the shaft 16 and is keyed to the shaft 16, so that the shaft 16rotates with the first drive pulley 21. A first shaft pulley 22surrounds the shaft 16 and is also keyed to the shaft 16 so that itrotates with the shaft 16. An outer tube 25 surrounds the shaft 16 andslides freely around the shaft 16 so that the outer tube 25 rotatesindependently of the rotation of the shaft 16.

A first shaker housing 26 is mounted around the shaft 16 between thefirst shaft pulley 22 and the outer tube 25. The first shaker housing 26rotates independently of the shaft 16, and is bolted to the outer tube25 by bolts 28 so that the first shaker housing 26 rotates with theouter tube 25. A second drive pulley 29 surrounds the shaft 16 and isconnected to the first shaker housing 26 and the outer tube 25 so thatthe second drive pulley 29 rotates with the first shaker housing 26 andthe outer tube 25. Within the first shaker housing 26 is a firsteccentric weight 30 and a second eccentric weight 31. The firsteccentric weight 30 is keyed to a first eccentric weight shaft 33 whichis keyed to a first eccentric weight pulley 34. So that the firsteccentric weight 30, the first eccentric weight shaft 33 and the firsteccentric weight pulley 34 all rotate together. A first endless belt 38surrounds the first shaft pulley 22 and the first eccentric weightpulley 34. The second eccentric weight 31 is keyed to a second eccentricweight shaft 35 which is keyed to a second eccentric weight pulley 36.So that the second eccentric weight 31, the second eccentric weightshaft 35 and the second eccentric weight pulley 36 all rotate together.A second endless belt 39 surrounds the first shaft pulley 22 and thesecond eccentric weight pulley 36.

A second shaker housing 41 is mounted around the shaft 16 on the side ofthe outer tube 25 closest to the second end of the shaft 16. The secondshaker housing 41 rotates independently of the shaft 16, and is boltedto the outer tube 25 by bolts 42 so that the second shaker housing 41rotates with the outer tube 25. Within the second shaker housing 41 is athird eccentric weight 44 and a fourth eccentric weight 45. The thirdeccentric weight 44 is keyed to a third eccentric weight shaft 46 whichis keyed to a third eccentric weight pulley 47. So that the thirdeccentric weight 44, the third eccentric weight shaft 46 and the thirdeccentric weight pulley 47 all rotate together. The fourth eccentricweight 45 is keyed to a fourth eccentric weight shaft 48 which is keyedto a fourth eccentric weight pulley 49, so that the fourth eccentricweight 45, the fourth eccentric weight shaft 48 and the fourth eccentricweight pulley 49 all rotate together.

A straight spline 51, which is formed by a long gear is keyed to theshaft 16 near the second end of the shaft 16, so that the straightspline 51 rotates with the shaft 16. A sliding tube 52 surrounds thestraight spline 51 and is shaped so that the sliding tube 52 rotateswith the straight spline 51. The sliding tube 52 is able to slide alongthe shaft 16 with respect to the shaft 16 and the straight spline 51.The sliding tube 52 has spiral grooves 53 on the outside of the slidingtube 52. A pulley tube 54 surrounds the sliding tube 52 and rotatesindependently of the sliding tube, and does not move longitudinallyalong the shaft 16 when the sliding tube 52 moves longitudinally. A ring55 is bolted to the second shaker housing 41 so that the ring 55 rotateswith the second shaker housing 41. A pulley tube bearing 56 is placedbetween the ring 55 and the pulley tube 54. The pulley tube bearing 56helps to keep the pulley tube 54 from sliding along the shaft 16. Asecond shaft pulley 59 is integrated with the pulley tube 54. Aplurality of pegs 62 pass through the pulley tube 54 and second shaftpulley 59 with an end of the pegs 62 fitting into the spiral grooves 53.A third endless belt 64 surrounds the second shaft pulley 59 and thethird eccentric weight pulley 47. A fourth endless belt 65 surrounds thesecond shaft pulley 59 and the fourth eccentric weight pulley 49.

A hydraulic cylinder 67 is mounted to the frame 11 of the harvester 10.The hydraulic cylinder 67 is mechanically connected to a hydrauliccylinder shaft 68. The hydraulic cylinder shaft 68 is mechanicallyconnected to the second end mount 20. The second end mount 20 allows theshaft 16 to rotate with respect to the second end mount 20 and slidewith respect to the second end mount 20. The second end mount 20 isconnected to the sliding tube 52 by a sliding tube bearing 69. Thesliding tube bearing 69 allows the sliding tube 54 to rotate withrespect to the end mount 20, but allows the end mount 20 to push andpull the sliding tube 54 along the shaft 16. A phase controller 85controls the hydraulic cylinder 67.

On the outside of the outer tube 25 are a plurality of tines 71 forminga brush 14. A first hydraulic motor 73 is keyed to a first hydraulicmotor shaft 74, which is keyed to a first hydraulic motor pulley 75. Afirst endless motor belt 76 surrounds the first hydraulic motor pulley75 and the first drive pulley 21. A second hydraulic motor 78 is keyedto a second hydraulic motor shaft 79, which is keyed to a secondhydraulic motor pulley 80. A second endless motor belt 81 surrounds thesecond hydraulic motor pulley 80 and the second drive pulley 29.

In operation, the second hydraulic motor 78 drives the second hydraulicmotor shaft 79, which drives the second hydraulic motor pulley 80. Thesecond hydraulic motor pulley 80 drives the second endless motor belt81, which drives the second drive pulley 29, and causing the seconddrive pulley 29 to rotate. The rotation of the second drive pulley 29,causes the rotation of the first shaker housing 26, the brush 14, andthe second shaker housing 41.

The first hydraulic motor 73 drives the first hydraulic motor shaft 74,which drives the first hydraulic motor pulley 75. The first hydraulicmotor pulley 75 drives the first endless motor belt 76, which drives thefirst drive pulley 21, and causing the first drive pulley 21 to rotate.The rotation of the first drive pulley 21 causes the rotation of theshaft 16, which causes the rotation of the first shaft pulley 22.

The first shaft pulley 22 drives the first endless belt 38 and thesecond endless belt 39. The first endless belt 38 drives the firsteccentric weight pulley 34, which drives the first eccentric weightshaft 33, which rotates the first eccentric weight 30. The secondendless belt 39 drives the second eccentric weight pulley 36, whichdrives the second eccentric weight shaft 35, which rotates the secondeccentric weight 31.

The shaft 16 also drives the straight spline 51, which causes thesliding tube 52 to rotate. The spiral grooves 53 in the rotating slidingtube 52 push on the pegs 62, which causes the pulley tube 54 and secondshaft pulley 59 to rotate. The second shaft pulley 59 drives the thirdendless belt 64 and the fourth endless belt 65. The third endless belt64 drives the third eccentric weight pulley 47, which drives the thirdeccentric weight shaft 46, which rotates the third eccentric weight 44.The fourth endless belt 65 drives the fourth eccentric weight pulley 49,which drives the fourth eccentric weight shaft 48, which rotates thefourth eccentric weight 45.

The phase controller 85 is set to change the phase between the eccentricweights. The phase controller 85 causes the hydraulic cylinder 67 tomove the hydraulic cylinder shaft 68 along the shaft 16, which moves thesecond end mount 20 along the shaft 16. The second end mount 20 supportsthe second end of the shaft 16 and does not cause the shaft 16 to movealong the shaft 16, but causes the sliding tube 52 to move along theshaft 16. Since the sliding tube 52 moves along the shaft 16 and thepulley tube 54 does not move along the shaft 16, sliding tube 52 slidesalong the shaft 16 with respect to the pulley tube 54. The pegs 62 inthe spiral grooves 53 cause the pulley tube 54 to rotate with respect tothe sliding tube 52 as the sliding tube 52 is moved long the shaft.

Initially the first, second, third, and fourth eccentric weights 30, 31,44, 45 are all in phase, meaning that the eccentric weights 30, 31, 44,45 are all on the same side of their respective eccentric weight shafts33, 35, 46, 48. As the sliding tube 52 is moved along the shaft 16 bythe hydraulic cylinder 67, the second shaft pulley 59 is rotated withrespect to the shaft 16 and the first shaft pulley 22. This causes aphase change between the eccentric weights in the first shaker housing26 and the weights in the second shaker housing 41. This allows an onthe fly adjustment between the weights in the first shaker housing 26and the second shaker housing 41, allowing for an on the fly adjustmentof oscillation amplitude or variable amplitude oscillation. The firstand second eccentric weights 30,31 may be a set of primary weights andtherefore heavier than the third and fourth eccentric weights 44,45,which would be a set of secondary weights.

In this embodiment, the rotation of the brush 14 caused by the secondhydraulic motor, causes plants to be moved with the brush 14. Theangular oscillation of the brush 14 by the first hydraulic motor 73causes fruit to be shaken from the plants. Some plants may be tomatoplants or cucumber plants. The fruit would be tomatoes and cucumbers.

In this embodiment the shaker 12 and brush 14 are mounted on a frame 11of the harvester 10 which is self propelled. Four wheels 13 are on theharvester 10.

In the specification and claims, a means for phasing is defined as ameans for maintaining the set of primary eccentric weights and the setof secondary eccentric weights at the same angular speed with a phasedifference between the primary eccentric weights and secondary eccentricweights, wherein the means for phasing is able to change the phasedifference between the primary eccentric weights and the secondaryeccentric weights while the primary eccentric weights and secondaryeccentric weights are rotating. Changing the phase difference betweenthe primary eccentric weights and the secondary eccentric weights meanschanging the relative angular position between the primary eccentricweights and the secondary eccentric weights. In this embodiment, a meansfor phasing, comprises the shaft 16, the straight spline 51, the slidingtube 52 with spiral grooves 53, the pulley tube 54, pegs 62, thehydraulic cylinder 67, and the hydraulic cylinder shaft 68. The meansfor phasing is mechanically connected between the first shaft pulley 22and the second shaft pulley 59, and provides a means for keeping thefirst shaft pulley 22 and second shaft pulley 59 at relative angularspeeds so that the set of primary eccentric weights and the set ofsecondary eccentric weights are rotated at the same angular speed. Thepegs 62 act as followers in the spiral grooves 53, with the hydrauliccylinder 67 being a powered pusher means for pushing the pegs 62 alongthe spiral grooves 53.

FIG. 5 shows another harvester 110 with a another embodiment of theinvention, using a vertical brush 114. In the harvester 110schematically shown in FIG. 5, a shaker mechanism 112 drives a verticalbrush 114. In this embodiment, the shaker mechanism 112 provides anangular oscillation to the brush 114. One example of a harvester thatuses a vertical brush is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,836incorporated by reference.

FIG. 6 is a cut away view of an embodiment of the inventive four weightshaker with a vertical brush 114 used in the harvester in FIG. 5. FIG. 7is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of the inventive shakershown in FIG. 6, along lines 7--7. A shaft 116 is journaled between afirst end mount 118 at a first end of the shaft 116 and a second endmount 120 at a second end of the shaft 116. A first shaft pulley 121 ismounted around the shaft 116 with a first shaft pulley bearing 123allowing the first shaft pulley 121 to rotate independently of the shaft116. An outer tube 125 surrounds the shaft 116 and slides freely aroundthe shaft 116 so that the outer tube 125 rotates independently of therotation of the shaft 116.

A shaker housing 126 is mounted around the shaft 116 between the firstpulley 121 and the outer tube 125. The shaker housing 126 is mountedaround a shaker housing bearing 127 so that the shaker housing 126rotates independently of the shaft 116, and is bolted to the outer tube125 by bolts 128 so that the shaker housing 126 rotates with the outertube 125. A second shaft pulley 129 surrounds the shaft 116 between thefirst shaft pulley 121 and the shaker housing 126. A second shaft pulleybearing 132 is placed between the second shaft pulley 129 and the shaft116 to allow the second shaft pulley 129 to rotate independently of theshaft 116. Within the shaker housing 126 is a first eccentric weight130, a second eccentric weight 131, a third eccentric weight 144, and afourth eccentric weight 145. The first eccentric weight 130 is keyed toa first eccentric weight shaft 133 which is keyed to a first eccentricweight pulley 134. So that the first eccentric weight 130, the firsteccentric weight shaft 133 and the first eccentric weight pulley 134 allrotate together. A first endless belt 138 surrounds the first shaftpulley 121 and the first eccentric weight pulley 134. The secondeccentric weight 131 is keyed to a second eccentric weight shaft 135which is keyed to a second eccentric weight pulley 136. So that thesecond eccentric weight 131, the second eccentric weight shaft 135 andthe second eccentric weight pulley 136 all rotate together. A secondendless belt 140 surrounds the first shaft pulley 121 and the secondeccentric weight pulley 136. The third eccentric weight 144 is keyed toa third eccentric weight shaft 146 which is keyed to a third eccentricweight pulley 147. So that the third eccentric weight 144, the thirdeccentric weight shaft 146 and the third eccentric weight pulley 147 allrotate together. The fourth eccentric weight 145 is keyed to a fourtheccentric weight shaft 148 which is keyed to a fourth eccentric weightpulley 149. So that the fourth eccentric weight 145, the fourtheccentric weight shaft 148 and the fourth eccentric weight pulley 149all rotate together. A third endless belt 164 surrounds the second shaftpulley 129 and the third eccentric weight pulley 147. A fourth endlessbelt 165 surrounds the second shaft pulley 129 and the fourth eccentricweight pulley 149.

A hydraulic cylinder 167 is mounted around the shaft 116 between thefirst shaft pulley 121 and the first end mount 118. The hydrauliccylinder 167 has a hydraulic fluid entry and exit tube 183. Thehydraulic cylinder 167 comprises an outer covering 168, which has afirst fluid seal 184 and a second fluid seal 185 against the shaft 116to prevent fluid from leaking around the shaft 116, and yet allows theouter covering 168 to slide along the shaft 116. Within the outer cover168 is a cylinder piston 186, which is in fluid tight connection withboth the outer covering 168 and the shaft 116, but which is able toslide with respect to the outer covering 168. The cylinder piston 186 issecured to the shaft 116, so that the piston 186 does not slide alongthe shaft 116. A ring 155 is mounted around the outer covering 168 by aring bearing 156, which allows the ring 155 to rotate independently ofthe outer covering 168, and yet causes the ring 155 to slide along theshaft 116 with the outer covering 168.

Four curved plates 157, which form sections of a single cylinder havefirst ends of the curved plates 157 fitting into the ring 155 and heldto the ring 155 by screws 158. The curved plates 157 pass through slots159 in the first shaft pulley 121, and through a central hole in thesecond shaft pulley 129. Walls 161 separate the slots 159 in the firstshaft pulley 121 A grooved tube 152 surrounds the second shaft pulleybearing 132 and is bolted to the second shaft pulley 129 by grooved tubebolts 160, so that the grooved tube 152 rotates with the second shaftpulley 129 and independently of the shaft 16. Four spiral grooves 153are cut in the grooved tube 152. Pegs 162 at second ends of the curvedplates 157 fit into the spiral grooves 153 of the grooved tube 152. Inthis embodiment, more than one peg 162 could be placed on each curvedplate 157, also requiring more spiral grooves 153. Only one peg 162 isshown per curved plate 157 to simplify the illustration.

On the outside of the outer tube 125 are a plurality of tines 171forming a brush 114. A hydraulic motor 173 is keyed to a hydraulic motorshaft 174, which is keyed to a hydraulic motor pulley 175. An endlessmotor belt 176 surrounds the hydraulic motor pulley 175 and the firstshaft pulley 121.

The first and second eccentric weights 130, 131 form a set of primaryeccentric weights. The third and fourth eccentric weights 144, 145 forma set of eccentric weights.

In operation, the hydraulic motor 173 drives the hydraulic motor shaft174, which drives the hydraulic motor pulley 175. The hydraulic motorpulley 175 drives the endless motor belt 176, which drives the firstshaft pulley 121, and causing the first shaft pulley 121 to rotate. Therotation of the first shaft pulley 121 drives the first endless belt 138and the second endless belt 140. The first endless belt 138 drives thefirst eccentric weight pulley 134, which drives the first eccentricweight shaft 133, which rotates the first eccentric weight 130. Thesecond endless belt 140 drives the second eccentric weight pulley 136,which drives the second eccentric weight shaft 135, which rotates thesecond eccentric weight 131.

The first shaft pulley 121 also drives the curved plates 157, which passthrough the slots 159 in the first shaft pulley 121, with the walls 161pushing against the curved plates 157. The pegs 162 on the second end ofthe curved plates 157 push against the sides of the spiral grooves 153causing the grooved tube 152 to rotate. The rotation of the grooved tube152 causes the second shaft pulley 129 to rotate The second shaft pulley129 drives the third endless belt 164 and the fourth endless belt 165.The third endless belt 164 drives the third eccentric weight pulley 147,which drives the third eccentric weight shaft 146, which rotates thethird eccentric weight 144. The fourth endless belt 165 drives thefourth eccentric weight pulley 149, which drives the fourth eccentricweight shaft 148, which rotates the fourth eccentric weight 145.

The hydraulic cylinder 167 moves the outer covering 168 along the shaft116, which moves the ring 155 along the shaft 116. The movement of thering 155 along the shaft 116 causes movement of the curved plates 157along the shaft 116. Since the curved plates 157 moves along the shaft116 and the grooved tube 152 does not move along the shaft 116, the pegs162 in the spiral grooves 153 cause the curved plates 157 to rotate withrespect to the grooved tube 152 as the curved plates 157 are moved alongthe shaft 116. Since the grooved tube 152 is secured to the second shaftpulley 129 and the curved plates 157 are driven by the first shaftpulley 121, a phase rotation between the grooved tube 152 and the curvedplates 157 causes a phase rotation between the first shaft pulley 121and the second shaft pulley 129.

Initially the first, second, third, and fourth eccentric weights 130,131, 144, 145 are all in phase, meaning that the eccentric weights 130,131, 144, 145 are all on the same side of their respective eccentricweight shafts 133, 135, 146, 148. As the curved plates 157 are movedalong the shaft 116 by the outer covering 168, the second shaft pulley129 is rotated with respect to the first shaft pulley 121. This causes aphase change between the set of primary eccentric weights 130, 131 andthe set of secondary eccentric weights 144, 145. This allows an on thefly adjustment between the set of primary eccentric weights 130, 131 andthe set of secondary eccentric weights 144, 145, allowing for an on thefly adjustment of oscillation amplitude or variable amplitudeoscillation.

In this embodiment, the brush 114 may be placed against plants such asfruit trees, nut trees or grape vines. The angular oscillation of thetines 117 causes the fruit of the plants such as grapes or nuts to beremoved from the plants.

In this embodiment the shaker 112 and brush 114 are mounted on a frame111 of a pull behind harvester 110. The harvester 110 is mounted on twowheels 113, and the hydraulic power is provided by a tractor that pullsthe harvester 110.

In this embodiment, a means for phasing, comprises the grooved tube 152with spiral grooves 153, the ring 155, curved plates 157 with pegs 162,the hydraulic cylinder 167, slots 159, grooved tube bolts 160 and theouter covering 168. The means for phasing is mechanically connectedbetween the first shaft pulley 121 and the second shaft pulley 129, andprovides a means for keeping the first shaft pulley 121 and second shaftpulley 129 at relative angular speeds so that the set of primaryeccentric weights and the set of secondary eccentric weights are rotatedat the same angular speed and allows a change in the phase of rotation(relative angular position) between the set of primary eccentric weightsand the set of secondary eccentric weights while the weights arerotating.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the pulleys and means for phasing in anotherembodiment of the invention. A shaft 216 with a flange 217 ismechanically connected to a first shaft pulley 221 by bolts 228. Thefirst shaft pulley 221 is integrally formed with a first pulley tube254, which has the first shaft pulley 254 on one end and a first pulleytube flange 255 on the other end. A grooved tube 260 passes through thecenter of the first pulley tube 254. Adjacent to the first pulley tube254 the grooved tube 260 has a first plurality of spiral grooves 253,which spiral in a clockwise direction. A plurality of first pulley tubepegs 262 extend from the first pulley tube 254 into the first pluralityof spiral grooves 253. A second pulley tube 242 has a second shaftpulley 229 at one end and a second pulley tube flange 243 at the otherend. The grooved tube 260 passes through the center of the second pulleytube 242. Adjacent to the second pulley tube 242, the grooved tube 260has a second plurality of spiral grooves 244, which spiral in a counterclockwise direction. A plurality of second pulley tube pegs 245 extendfrom the second pulley tube 242 into the second plurality of spiralgrooves 244. The shaft 216 passes through the center of the grooved tube260. A collar 232 also slips around the shaft on the side of the firstpulley tube 254 and second pulley tube 242 away from the flange 217. Aninner snap ring 246, a bearing 247 and outer snap ring 248 are used toconnect the collar 232 to the grooved tube 260 allowing the grooved tube260 to rotate independently of the collar 232. A flange clamp 233secured by clamp bolts 234 surrounds the first pulley tube flange 255and the second pulley tube flange 243, keeping the first pulley tubeflange 255 adjacent to the second pulley tube flange 243, but allowingthem to rotate independently. A push and pull rod 236 is attached to thecollar 232 and is able to move the collar 232 along the shaft 216.

In operation, the push rod 236 may be fully extended as shown in FIG. 9,when the shaft 216 is driven. The first pulley tube pegs 262 and thesecond pulley tube pegs 245 are to the right part of the first spiralgrooves 253 and the second spiral grooves 244 as viewed in FIG. 9. Theshaft 216 drives the first shaft pulley 221 through the flange 217. Thefirst shaft pulley 221 drives the first pulley tube 254, which drivesthe plurality of first pulley tube pegs 262, which drives the groovedtube 260, by pushing on the first plurality of spiral grooves 253. Thesecond plurality of spiral grooves drives the second pulley tube pegs245, which drive the second pulley tube 242, which drives the secondshaft pulley 229.

The push and pull rod 236 then retracts, pulling the collar 232 to theright as viewed in FIG. 10. The movement of the collar 232 to the rightalong the shaft 216, causes the grooved tube 260 to move to the rightalong the shaft 216, while the first pulley tube 254 and the secondpulley tube 242 do not move along the shaft 216. This relative movementbetween the grooved tube 260 and the first pulley tube 254 and thesecond pulley tube 242 causes the first pulley tube pegs 262 and thesecond pulley tube pegs 245 to move to the left part of the first spiralgrooves 253 and the second spiral grooves 244 as shown in FIG. 10. Themovement of the first pulley tube pegs 262 from the right side of thefirst spiral grooves 253 to the left side of the first spiral grooves253 causes the first pulley tube 254 to move clockwise with respect tothe grooved tube 260. The movement of the second pulley tube pegs 245from the right side of the second spiral grooves 244 to the left side ofthe second spiral grooves 244 causes the second pulley tube 242 to movecounter-clockwise with respect to the grooved tube 260. Since the firstpulley tube 254 moves in the opposite direction as the second pulleytube 242 as the grooved tube 260 is moved to the right, causes a changein the relative angular position of the first pulley tube 254 and thesecond pulley tube 242, which causes a change in the relative angularposition of the first shaft pulley 221 and the second shaft pulley 229.

In this embodiment, a means for phasing, comprises the grooved tube 260with first spiral grooves 253 and second spiral grooves 244, the collar232, the push and pull rod 236, the first pulley tube pegs 262, and thesecond pulley tube pegs 245. The means for phasing is mechanicallyconnected between the first shaft pulley 221 and the second shaft pulley229. The means for phasing in this embodiment may replace the means forphasing, the first shaft pulley, the second shaft pulley and the shaftin the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the pulleys and means for phasing in anotherembodiment of the invention. FIGS. 13 and 14 show a first shaft pulley321 and a second shaft pulley 329 mounted on a shaft 316. The firstshaft pulley 321 is bolted to the shaft 316 by bolts 328, so that thefirst shaft pulley 321 rotates with the shaft 316. A clutch face 324 ismechanically connected to a side of the first shaft pulley 321 betweenthe first shaft pulley 321 and the second shaft pulley 329, so that theclutch face 324 rotates with the first shaft pulley 321. The secondshaft pulley 329 is able to rotate independently of the shaft 316. A nut331 and collar 332 are placed on the shaft 316. Belville washer springs326 are placed between the collar 332 and the second shaft pulley 329 toapply a force on the second shaft pulley 329 towards the clutch face324. A throw out piece 339 is connected to the second shaft pulley 329by a bearing 340 so that the throw out piece 339 rotates independentlyof the second shaft pulley 329. A hydraulic cylinder 342 is connectedbetween the throw out piece 339 and the frame 344 of the harvester. Afirst sensor 346 is placed adjacent to the first shaft pulley 321 andmounted on the frame 344 so that the first sensor 346 senses markings350 on the first shaft pulley 321. A second sensor 347 is placedadjacent to the second shaft pulley 329 and mounted on the frame 344 sothat the second sensor 347 senses markings 351 on the second shaftpulley 329. The first sensor 346 and the second sensor 347 areelectrically connected to a phase controller 85. The hydraulic cylinder342 is in fluid connection with the phase controller 85.

In operation, the phase controller 85 is set for a desired phaserelationship between the first shaft pulley 321 and the second shaftpulley 329. The first sensor 346 senses the markings on the first shaftpulley 321. The second sensor 347 senses the markings on the secondshaft pulley 329. The phase controller 85 uses the sensed markings todetermines the actual phase relationship between the first shaft pulley321 and the second shaft pulley 329. If the desired phase relationshipis not equal to the actual phase relationship, the phase controller 85actuates the hydraulic cylinder 342, which pushes the throw out piece339 away from the first shaft pulley 321. The throw out piece 339 pullsthe second shaft pulley 329 from the first shaft pulley 321, the firstshaft pulley 321 to rotate faster than the second shaft pulley 329,allowing a change in the actual phase relationship between the firstshaft pulley 321 and the second shaft pulley 329. The phase controller85 then pulls the throw out piece 339 towards the first shaft pulley321, which pushes the second shaft pulley 329 towards the first shaftpulley 321 pushing the second shaft pulley 329 against the clutch face324. The matching surfaces of the clutch face 324 and the second shaftpulley 329 causes sufficient friction so that the second shaft pulley329 spins as fast as the first shaft pulley 321, when the second shaftpulley 329 is against the clutch face. The phase controller 85 againsenses the markings on the first shaft pulley 321 and the second shaftpulley 329 and measures the actual phase relationship. If the actualphase relationship is equal to the desired phase relationship, theprocess is stopped. If the actual phase relationship is not equal to thedesired phase relationship, the above process is again repeated untilthe actual phase relationship is equal to the desired phaserelationship.

Others embodiments of the invention may have different numbers ofweights in the sets of primary and secondary weights. Hydraulic motorsmay be replaced by other power means. The rotating brush may be replacedby a clamp for tree shaking. The brush may also be replaced by aU-shaped frame to provide a grape harvester which shakes the stumps of agrape vine as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,426 incorporated byreference.

Although the best mode contemplated for carrying out the presentinvention has been herein shown and described, it will be understoodthat modification and variation may be made without departing from whatis regarded to be the subject matter of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for providing angular oscillation,comprising:a set of primary eccentric weights; a set of secondaryeccentric weights; a means for driving the set of primary eccentricweights in an angular direction, mechanically connected to the set ofprimary eccentric weights; a means for driving the set of secondaryeccentric weights in an angular direction, mechanically connected to theset of secondary eccentric weights; and means for phasing, mechanicallyconnected between the means for driving the set of primary eccentricweights and the means for driving the set of secondary eccentricweights; the means for phasing including means for maintaining the setof primary eccentric weights and the set of secondary eccentric weightsat the same angular speed, with a phase difference therebetween, andmean for changing the phase difference between the primary eccentricweights and the secondary eccentric weights while both sets are inmotion.
 2. The apparatus, as recited in claim 1, further comprising, aphase controller connected to the means for phasing.
 3. The apparatus,as recited in claim 2, wherein the set of primary eccentric weights,comprises:a first primary eccentric weight, that rotates around a firstprimary axis; and a second primary eccentric weight, that rotates arounda second primary axis, spaced apart from the first primary axis, andwherein the set of secondary eccentric weights, comprises:a firstsecondary eccentric weight, that rotates around a first secondary axis;and a second secondary eccentric weight, that rotates around a secondsecondary axis, spaced apart from the first secondary axis.
 4. Theapparatus, as recited in claim 3, further comprising an axis ofoscillation, wherein the first primary axis and the second primary axisare on opposite sides of the axis of oscillation, and wherein the firstsecondary axis and the second secondary axis are on opposite sides ofthe axis of oscillation.
 5. An apparatus for harvesting fruits fromplants, comprising:a frame; a plurality of wheels supporting said frame;a shaking mechanism for removing the fruits from the plant supported bysaid frame; and shaker for shaking the shaking mechanism, comprising:aset of primary eccentric weights; a set of secondary eccentric weights;a means for driving the set of primary eccentric weights in an angulardirection, mechanically connected to the set of primary eccentricweights; a means for driving the set of secondary eccentric weights inan angular direction, mechanically connected to the set of secondaryeccentric weights; and means for phasing, mechanically connected betweenthe means for driving the set of primary eccentric weights and the meansfor driving the set of secondary eccentric weights; the means forphasing including means for maintaining the set of primary eccentricweights and the set of secondary eccentric weights at the same angularspeed, with a phase difference therebetween, and means for changing thephase difference between the primary eccentric weights and the secondaryeccentric weights while both sets are in motion.
 6. The apparatus, asrecited in claim 5, further comprising, a phase controller connected tothe means for phasing.
 7. The apparatus, as recited in claim 6, whereinthe set of primary eccentric weights, comprises:a first primaryeccentric weight, that rotates around a first primary axis; and a secondprimary eccentric weight, that rotates around a second primary axis,spaced apart from the first primary axis, and wherein the set ofsecondary eccentric weights, comprises:a first secondary eccentricweight, that rotates around a first secondary axis; and a secondsecondary eccentric weight, that rotates around a second secondary axis,spaced apart from the first secondary axis.
 8. The apparatus, as recitedin claim 7, further comprising an axis of oscillation about which theshaking mechanism oscillates, wherein the first primary axis and thesecond primary axis are on opposite sides of the axis of oscillation,and wherein the first secondary axis and the second secondary axis areon opposite sides of the axis of oscillation.
 9. A harvester forharvesting fruits from plants, comprising:a frame; a plurality of wheelssupporting the frame; a harvesting apparatus for removing fruits fromplants; a shaker for shaking the harvesting apparatus, comprising:a setof primary eccentric weights; a set of secondary eccentric weights; ameans for phasing, mechanically connected between the set of primaryeccentric weights and secondary eccentric weights, wherein the means forphasing maintains the set of primary eccentric weights and the set ofsecondary eccentric weights at the same angular speed, with a phasedifference between the primary eccentric weights and the secondaryeccentric weights, and wherein the means for phasing includes means forchanging the phase difference between the primary eccentric weights andthe secondary eccentric weights while the primary eccentric weights andthe secondary eccentric weights are rotating.
 10. The harvester, asrecited in claim 9, further comprising a phase controller connected tothe means for phasing.
 11. The apparatus, as recited in claim 10,wherein the set of primary eccentric weights, comprises:a first primaryeccentric weight, that rotates around a first primary axis; and a secondprimary eccentric weight, that rotates around a second primary axis,spaced apart from the first primary axis, and wherein the set ofsecondary eccentric weights, comprises:a first secondary eccentricweight, that rotates around a first secondary axis; and a secondsecondary eccentric weight, that rotates around a second secondary axis,spaced apart from the first secondary axis.
 12. The apparatus, asrecited in claim 11, further comprising an axis of oscillation aboutwhich the harvesting apparatus oscillates, wherein the first primaryaxis and the second primary axis are on opposite sides of the axis ofoscillation, and wherein the first secondary axis and the secondsecondary axis are on opposite sides of the axis of oscillation.
 13. Anapparatus, for harvesting fruits from plants, comprising:a set ofprimary eccentric weights; a set of secondary eccentric weights; meansfor rotating the set of primary eccentric weights at a first speed;means for rotating the set of secondary eccentric weights at the firstspeed, wherein the rotation of the set of primary eccentric weights andthe set of secondary eccentric weights have a phase difference of afirst phase difference; means for setting a control to change the phasedifference from the first phase difference to a second phase difference;and means for changing the rotation of the set of secondary eccentricweights so that the phase difference between the rotation of the primaryeccentric weights and the secondary eccentric weights is equal to thesecond phase difference, wherein the means for changing of the rotationof the secondary eccentric weights changes the rotation of the secondaryeccentric weights while the set of primary eccentric weights and the setof secondary eccentric weight are rotating.
 14. The apparatus, asrecited in claim 13, further comprising:a frame; a plurality of wheelssupporting the frame; and a harvesting mechanism for removing the fruitsfrom the plants, supported by the frame and mechanically connected tothe set of primary eccentric weights and the secondary eccentricweights.
 15. The apparatus, as recited in claim 14, wherein the set ofprimary eccentric weights, comprises:a first primary eccentric weight,that rotates around a first primary axis; and a second primary eccentricweight, that rotates around a second primary axis, spaced apart from thefirst primary axis, and wherein the set of secondary eccentric weights,comprises:a first secondary eccentric weight, that rotates around afirst secondary axis; and a second secondary eccentric weight, thatrotates around a second secondary axis, spaced apart from the firstsecondary axis.
 16. The apparatus, as recited in claim 15, furthercomprising an axis of oscillation about which the harvesting mechanismoscillates, wherein the first primary axis and the second primary axisare on opposite sides of the axis of oscillation, and wherein the firstsecondary axis and the second secondary axis are on opposite sides ofthe axis of oscillation.
 17. An apparatus, for harvesting fruits fromplants, comprising:a set of primary eccentric weights, wherein the setof primary eccentric weights, comprises:a first primary eccentricweight, that rotates around a first primary axis; and a second primaryeccentric weight, that rotates around a second primary axis, spacedapart from the first primary axis; a set of secondary eccentric weights,wherein the set of secondary eccentric weights, comprises:a firstsecondary eccentric weight, that rotates around a first secondary axis;and a second secondary eccentric weight, that rotates around a secondsecondary axis, spaced apart from the first secondary axis; means forrotating the set of primary eccentric weights at a first speed; meansfor rotating the set of secondary eccentric weights at the first speed;and phasing means connected between the means for rotating the set ofprimary eccentric weights and the means for rotating the set ofsecondary eccentric weights; the phasing means including means formaintaining the set of primary eccentric weights and the set ofsecondary eccentric weights at the first speed, with a phase differencetherebetween, and means for changing the phase difference between theprimary eccentric weights and the secondary eccentric weights while bothsets are in motion.
 18. The apparatus, as recited in claims 17, furthercomprising:a frame; a plurality of wheels supporting the frame; and aharvesting mechanism for removing the fruits from the plants, supportedby the frame and mechanically connected to the set of primary eccentricweights and the secondary eccentric weights.
 19. The apparatus, asrecited in claim 18, further comprising an axis of oscillation aboutwhich the harvesting mechanism oscillates, wherein the first primaryaxis and the second primary axis are on opposite sides of the axis ofoscillation, and wherein the first secondary axis and the secondsecondary axis are on opposite sides of the axis of oscillation.